Imaging network level language recovery after left PCA stroke

Rajani Sebastian, Charltien Long, Jeremy J. Purcell, Andreia V. Faria, Martin Lindquist, Samson Jarso, David Race, Cameron Davis, Joseph Posner, Amy Wright, Argye E. Hillis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The neural mechanisms that support aphasia recovery are not yet fully understood. Our goal was to evaluate longitudinal changes in naming recovery in participants with posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stroke using a case-by-case analysis. Methods: Using task based and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and detailed language testing, we longitudinally studied the recovery of the naming network in four participants with PCA stroke with naming deficits at the acute (0 week), sub acute (3-5 weeks), and chronic time point (5-7 months) post stroke. Behavioral and imaging analyses (task related and resting state functional connectivity) were carried out to elucidate longitudinal changes in naming recovery. Results: Behavioral and imaging analysis revealed that an improvement in naming accuracy from the acute to the chronic stage was reflected by increased connectivity within and between left and right hemisphere "language" regions. One participant who had persistent moderate naming deficit showed weak and decreasing connectivity longitudinally within and between left and right hemisphere language regions. Conclusions: These findings emphasize a network view of aphasia recovery, and show that the degree of inter- and intra- hemispheric balance between the language-specific regions is necessary for optimal recovery of naming, at least in participants with PCA stroke.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)473-489
Number of pages17
JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 13 2016

Keywords

  • PCA stroke
  • aphasia
  • fMRI
  • longitudinal recovery
  • naming network

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Clinical Neurology

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